Flood Fury / Man Dragged into River by Crocodile in Jajpur

Jajpur, Jul 28: Continuous rainfall triggered by a deep depression has left Jajpur district reeling under flood threats, with reports of crocodile sightings adding to public fear.

On Tuesday, a 52-year-old man from Debil village was dragged into the Kharsrota River by a crocodile while bathing.

Locals and fire services personnel have launched a search operation, but the man remains missing. Separately, another crocodile was spotted near Ghosara bridge on the Yamuna canal, sparking panic among residents.

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Since Monday night, heavy rainfall has inundated farmlands and submerged roads across Jajpur. In Dharmasala block, several areas are waterlogged, while in Jaraka panchayat’s Jamubania village, 8-10 families have been marooned due to rising waters.

Rainfall Warning

The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Jajpur, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall. In response, the district administration has ordered all government, aided, private schools, and Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas (OAVS) to remain closed from 2 pm on July 28.

Heavy rainfall across Odisha has triggered rising water levels in major rivers, prompting flood alerts and precautionary measures in several districts.

In Bhadrak district, the water level of the Baitarani river has surged past the danger mark. At Akhuapada, where the danger level is fixed at 18.33 metres, the river is currently flowing at 18.48 metres.

With continuous rainfall in the upper catchment areas, the administration has warned of possible flooding. Loudspeaker announcements are being made in riverside villages to alert residents, urging them to remain vigilant and prepared for evacuation if necessary.